Lessons from the book

There are many things every child can learn when reading Tommy’s Balloon. Some of the concepts children can learn are listed below! Some concepts (like the cross) may be too advanced or difficult for young children to understand, but they should be able to relate to most of the ideas illustrated in the book.

We were created with a purpose in mind

When an inventor creates something, he puts into his creation what it needs to fulfill its purpose. In the case of a helium balloon, its purpose is to fly without having to be thrown or forcefully lifted up from without. Therefore, a helium balloon is made of a very light material, and it is made hollow (empty) so as to be filled with helium. In and of itself, the balloon cannot rise. If you hold it up and drop it, it will only fall. If you fill it with something other than helium, it will only fall faster. The balloon takes on the characteristics of what you fill it with. So, when it is filled with helium, it can rise and soar into the sky because it is now being “animated” and “empowered” by the helium it is now housing.

We are no different. We were made by God to be his children, and he designed us in such a way to be just that. To be his children is much more than being created by him. Plants were created by God, but they are not his children. Being created by God simply makes us a created being. There is something “more” that we need to become children of God. What is that? God himself dwelling within us through the Holy Spirit, teaching us, guiding us, transforming us and empowering us as we embrace his will for our lives. This is displayed perfectly in Jesus.

We become broken when we don’t live according to our purpose

A balloon filled with sand and thrown wildly about will ultimately tear and become broken—it wasn’t designed for such abuse. Likewise, if we live contrary to what we were created for, we will only damage ourselves, even if there appears to be a temporary satisfaction from how we are living. We were created to live in union with God, the source of love and goodness, the one who knows us best and who wants to fill us with the joy that the Holy Trinity enjoys. When we seek to find our fulfillment in created things rather in God, we become like the balloon filled with things that only weigh it down and ultimately break it.

The Father can restore our brokenness

Though the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is not mentioned in the book, it is hinted at through the “cross-shaped tool” the Father uses to recreate the balloon so he could give it “life” (fill it with helium that can empower it to rise). Similarly, we are ‘recreated’ through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, His resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—an effect that occurs in baptism, even though we may not fully experience it until we embrace it through faith. Our pathway is through the cross: rejecting the brokenness of sin, receiving the Father’s forgiveness and grace, and learning to follow the Holy Spirit who will be like a stream of living waters within us, refreshing our soul and empowering us to live a godly life. The cross can be a difficult subject for children to understand, and there are many facets to what it has done for us and what it illustrates about God’s love and mercy. By helping children learn to pray, experience God’s love, and embrace their identity as His children, we enable them to encounter the fruits of the cross, even if they don’t yet fully understand it.

The Father’s love

Consider how much Tommy’s father loves him. He is overjoyed to give him a gift. He wants him to use that gift which can bring him great delight. Consider how compassionate he is with Tommy when the balloon was broken and what he wanted Tommy to learn from that. Our Heavenly Father is the same! He gives us wonderful gifts—not only our lives, natural abilities, our talents, but our ability to know him, to receive his love, to enjoy him. He even gives us spiritual gifts to bless others with! What gifts has he given you and how does he want you to use them?

Tommy’s father is an example of how parents can model Our Heavenly Father. Parenthood is one way that God equips you to be more like Him… just ask for his grace, knowledge, wisdom, provision and most of all love, and these will overflow to you as you do your best to follow him.

Childlike Trust in the Father

Consider how Tommy loved to enter his father’s workshop, whether it be to see the Father’s latest inventions or to simply spend time with him. His time with his father was enough for him to believe that his father could fix the balloon once it was broken, because he got to know his father. How often do we spend time with our Heavenly Father, getting to know him, learning to trust him, and turning to him in our need? Prayer is essential for all of us, and helping children develop a relationship with God through prayer is probably the best gift a parent could give to their child.

Reconciliation

Stan was certainly not the kindest brother. Seeking his own pleasure, he abused Tommy’s new gift, he didn’t even ask Tommy if he could play with it! But fortunately, even though Stan broke the ballon, he realized that he wasn’t charitable toward Tommy. He was humble enough to ask Tommy for forgiveness. Tommy, for his part, was quick to forgive, even though what Stan did was very real and caused him pain and sadness. Tommy’s reaction stems from his relationship with his father, knowing the loving character of his father. He could have isolated himself and become bitter and resentful toward his brother, but Tommy chose the path of mercy, love and forgiveness that could restore their relationship. How quick are we to respond with humility when we hurt others, or to pursue forgiveness when someone harms us? Learning to forgive is a key lesson that will help children rise above difficulties and develop stronger relationships.